LEWISTON – Members of a local Red Hat group presented Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice with 15 comfort shawls that will be given to hospice patients.The Rambuncious Red Hatters, led by Betty Albert, learned of the comfort shawl project through information in the community and felt it was an opportunity to put their talent for knitting to work.

Red Hatters, all women over the age of 50, get together to have fun and celebrate their age. The Rambuncious Red Hatters was formed about a year ago and is one of thousands of chapters of the Red Hat Society across the United States and abroad, explained Albert. “You know Red Hatters by their distinctive purple outfits, red hats and lots of laughter. Our group decided that we wanted to take on a special project as well as get together for social events. That is when we learned of the comfort shawl project. Several of us have had family members or friends who received hospice care from AHCH and we know how important it is. Perhaps our efforts will encourage other Red Hat groups in the area to also participate.”

The AHCH comfort shawl project started last summer and was the idea of AHCH volunteer Elaine Lasky, after reading the book titled “Knitting Into Mystery” that chronicles two women in seminary who began a knitting ministry of “prayer shawls” as a spiritual project.

The shawls are knit or crocheted in a specific knit 3, pearl 3 pattern the number three being chosen for its significant, recurring pattern in the Bible. As they work, volunteers are encouraged to focus their thoughts on their loved ones, as well as on the project. The blessings and good thoughts of the volunteer knitter become part of the shawl and provide comfort and solace to the recipient.

Shawls made by the Red Hatters were made in memory or honor of a loved one. Their names along with the names of the individuals in whose memory or honor the shawls were made will be inscribed in a special book that will be kept at the new AHCH hospice house. The book will contain the names of everyone who participates in the shawl project.

“This is an ongoing and growing project, explains Lasky. “The goal is to give a shawl to every hospice patient served by AHCH. It becomes theirs to keep and pass on to their family.” To date AHCH has received more than 300 shawls.

Anyone interested in participating in the project is welcomed and may contact the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice Volunteer Office at 777-7740, extension 1280 for more details.